Systems, devices and methods for temperature-based control of laser performance

ABSTRACT

This disclosure concerns systems, methods and devices for temperature-based control of laser performance. One example of a method is performed in connection with a laser of an optoelectronic transceiver. In particular, the laser is operated over a range of temperatures and the optical output of the laser is monitored. During operation of the laser, the bias current and current swing supplied to the laser are adjusted to the extent necessary to maintain a substantially constant optical output from the laser over the range of temperatures.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation, and claims the benefit, of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 10/285,105, entitled MAINTAINING DESIRABLEPERFORMANCE OF OPTICAL EMITTERS OVER TEMPERATURE VARIATIONS, filed Oct.31, 2002, which in turn claims priority to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 60/357,070, filed Feb. 12, 2002. All of theaforementioned patent applications are incorporated herein in theirrespective entireties by this reference.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of fiber optictransceivers and particularly to circuits used within the transceiversto maintain desirable optical performance of optical emitters overtemperature variations.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of the essential features of atypical prior-art fiber optic transceiver. The main circuit 1 containsat a minimum transmit and receiver circuit paths and power 19 and groundconnections 18. The receiver circuit, which takes relatively smallsignals from an optical detector and amplifies them to create a uniformamplitude digital electronic output, typically consists of a ReceiverOptical Subassembly (ROSA) 2 which contains a mechanical fiberreceptacle as well as a photo-diode and pre-amplifier (preamp) circuit.The ROSA is in turn connected to a postamplifier (postamp) integratedcircuit 4, the function of which is to generate a fixed output swingdigital signal which is connected to outside circuitry via the RX+ andRX− pins 17. The postamp circuit also often provides a digital outputsignal known as Signal-Detect or Loss-of-Signal indicating the presenceor absence of suitably strong optical input. The Signal-Detect output isprovided as an output on pin 20.

The transmit circuit, which accepts high speed digital data andelectrically drives an LED or laser diode to create equivalent opticalpulses, typically consists of a Transmitter Optical Subassembly (TOSA) 3and a laser driver integrated circuit 5. The TOSA contains a mechanicalfiber receptacle as well as a laser diode or LED. The laser drivercircuit will typically provide AC drive and DC bias current to thelaser. The signal inputs for the AC driver are obtained from the TX+ andTX− pins 12. Typically, the laser driver circuitry will requireindividual factory setup of certain parameters such as the bias current(or output power) level and AC modulation drive to the laser. This isaccomplished by adjusting variable resistors or placing factory selectedresistors 7, 9 (i.e., having factory selected resistance values).Additionally, temperature compensation of the bias current andmodulation is often required because the output power of laser diodesand LEDs can change significantly across a relatively small temperaturerange.

The prior art fiber optic transceiver of FIG. 1 uses thermistors (e.g.,thermistors 6, 8) whose electrical resistance changes as a function oftemperature to control the current supplied to the laser diodes. Underhigh-volume manufacturing conditions, however, the temperaturecompensation scheme using thermistors is inaccurate due to variations inthermistor characteristics and laser characteristics.

Accordingly, what is needed is a method of maintaining desirable opticalpower of the optical emitters over temperature variations. What isfurther needed is a temperature compensation mechanism that is notvulnerable to variations in thermistor characteristics and emittercharacteristics.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF AN EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

In general, exemplary embodiments of the invention are concerned withsystems, methods and devices for temperature-based control of laserperformance. One exemplary method is performed in connection with alaser of an optoelectronic transceiver. In particular, the laser isoperated over a range of temperatures and the optical output of thelaser is monitored. During operation of the laser, the bias current andcurrent swing supplied to the laser are adjusted to the extent necessaryto maintain a substantially constant optical output from the laser overthe range of temperatures. Control signals used to adjust bias currentand current swing for different temperatures are generated based uponcontrol values and corresponding temperature values stored in theoptoelectronic transceiver.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Aspects of the present invention will be more readily apparent from thefollowing description and appended claims when taken in conjunction withthe accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a prior art optoelectronic transceiver;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an optoelectronic transceiver in accordancewith the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of modules within the controller of theoptoelectronic transceiver of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 show two L-i curves illustrating a relationship between opticaloutput power, laser bias current and temperature of a laser emitter;

FIG. 5 depicts a transceiver undergoing a transmitter calibration stepthat is part of an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 depicts a transceiver undergoing receiver calibration step thatis part of an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7A depicts a calculation step according to an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 7B depicts another calculation step according to an embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 7C depicts yet another calculation step according to an embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 8 shows a temperature lookup table according to an embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 9 shows a graph defining TOSA specifications for normal operatingtemperatures;

FIG. 10A shows a graph of TOSA specifications based on improper-biasingat extreme temperatures;

FIG. 10B shows the same graph as FIG. 10A, but with proper biasing;

FIG. 11A is a graph depicting acceptable operating ranges for Laser Type1 at a range of temperatures;

FIG. 11B is a graph depicting acceptable operating ranges for Laser Type2 at a range of temperatures;

FIG. 11C is a graph depicting acceptable operating ranges for Laser Type3 at a range of temperatures;

FIG. 11D is a target power overlay based on the graphs of FIGS. 11A-C;

FIG. 12A is a plot of an exemplary DC bias curve and extreme temperaturedeviations away therefrom;

FIG. 12B is a plot of an exemplary AC current swing bias curve andextreme temperature deviations away therefrom;

FIG. 13A shows a method of maintaining desirable optical performance ofa laser at extreme temperatures, in accordance with one embodiment ofthe invention;

FIG. 13B shows further detail on two of the steps of the method shown inFIG. 13A; and

FIG. 14 depicts another method of maintaining desirable opticalperformance of a laser at extreme temperatures, in accordance withanother embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Preferred embodiments of the invention are described below. In theinterest of clarity, not all features of an actual implementation aredescribed. It will be appreciated that in the development of any suchembodiment, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made toachieve the developers' specific goals, such as compliance withsystem-related and business-related constraints, which will vary fromone implementation to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated thatsuch a development effort might be complex and time-consuming, but wouldnevertheless be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in theart having the benefit of this disclosure.

Fiber Optic Transceiver Components

A transceiver 100 in which embodiments of the present invention may bepracticed is shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. The transceiver 100 contains aReceiver Optical Subassembly (ROSA) 102 and Transmitter OpticalSubassembly (TOSA) 106 along with associated post-amplifier 104 andlaser driver 108 integrated circuits that communicate the high speedelectrical signals to the outside world. Control and setup functions areimplemented with a single-chip integrated circuit controller 110,hereinafter controller IC 110 or IC controller 110. An exampleimplementation of the single-chip integrated circuit controller 110 isdescribed in co-pending United States Non-Provisional Patent Applicationentitled “INTEGRATED MEMORY MAPPED CONTROLLER CIRCUIT FOR FIBER OPTICSTRANSCEIVER,” filed Feb. 5, 2001, bearing Ser. No. 09/777,917, and whichis hereby incorporated by reference.

The controller IC 110 handles all low speed communications with the enduser. These include the standardized pin functions such asLoss-of-Signal (LOS) 21, Transmitter Fault Indication (TX FAULT) 14, andthe Transmitter Disable Input (TXDIS) 13. The controller IC 110 has atwo wire serial interface 121, also called the memory interface, forreading and writing to memory mapped locations in the controller. Valueswritten to some of the memory mapped locations in the controller areused by its logic circuits to generate control signals for thecontroller itself and other components of the transceiver. Valueswritten to some of the memory mapped locations in the controller can beread by an external device (e.g., a host computer) via the two wireserial interface 121.

The interface 121 is coupled to host device interface input/outputlines, typically clock (SCL) and data (SDA) lines, 15 and 16. In oneembodiment, the serial interface 121 operates in accordance with the I²Cserial interface standard that is also used in the GBIC and SFP (SmallForm Factor Pluggable) standards. Other interfaces could be used inalternate embodiments. The two wire serial interface 121 is used for allsetup and querying of the controller IC 110, and enables access to theoptoelectronic transceiver's control circuitry as a memory mappeddevice. That is, tables and parameters are set up by writing values topredefined memory locations of one or more nonvolatile memory devices120, 122, 128 (e.g., EEPROM devices) in the controller, whereasdiagnostic and other output and status values are output by readingpredetermined memory locations of the same nonvolatile memory devices120, 121, 122. This technique is consistent with currently definedserial D functionality of many transceivers where a two wire serialinterface is used to read out identification and capability data storedin an EEPROM. In some transceivers, one or more of the memory devices120, 122, 128 are volatile memories.

It is noted here that some of the memory locations in the memory devices120, 122, 128 are dual ported, or even triple ported in some instances.That is, while these memory mapped locations can be read and in somecases written via the serial interface 121, they are also directlyaccessed by other circuitry in the controller IC 110. For instance,there are flags stored in memory 128 that are (A) written by logiccircuit 131, and (B) read directly by logic circuit 133. An example of amemory mapped location not in memory devices but that is effectivelydual ported is the output or result register of clock 132. In this casethe accumulated time value in the register is readable via the serialinterface 121, but is written by circuitry in the clock circuit 132. Inaccordance with the present invention, certain “margining” values storedin memory 120 are read and used directly by logic 134 to adjust (i.e.,scale upwards or downwards) drive level signals being sent to the DIAoutput devices 123.

In addition to the result register of the clock 132, other memory mappedlocations in the controller may be implemented as registers at the inputor output of respective sub-circuits of the controller. For instance,the margining values used to control the operation of logic 134 may bestored in registers in or near logic 134 instead of being stored withinmemory device 128.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the controller IC 110 has connections to thelaser driver 108 and receiver components. These connections servemultiple functions. The controller IC 110 has a multiplicity of D/Aconverters 123. In one embodiment the D/A converters are implemented ascurrent sources, but in other embodiments the D/A converters may beimplemented using voltage sources, and in yet other embodiments the D/Aconverters may be implemented using digital potentiometers. In someembodiments, the output signals of the D/A converters are used tocontrol key parameters of the laser driver circuit 108. In oneembodiment, outputs of the D/A converters 123 are used to directlycontrol the laser bias current as well as to control the AC modulationlevel to the laser (constant bias operation). In another embodiment, theoutputs of the D/A converters 123 of the controller IC 110 control thelevel of average output power of the laser driver 108 in addition to theAC modulation level (constant power operation).

According to one embodiment of the invention, the controller IC 110includes mechanisms to compensate for temperature dependentcharacteristics of the laser. These mechanisms are implemented in thecontroller IC 110 through the use of temperature lookup tables stored inmemory devices (e.g., memory 122) of the transceiver. The entries in thetemperature lookup tables are used by logic circuits of the controllerIC to assign appropriate values to the D/A converters 123. The D/Aconverters 123 in turn provide control output signals to the laserdriver circuit so as to control the bias current and current swing thatthe laser driver circuit generates.

In this embodiment, the controller IC 110 uses D/A converters togenerate analog signals for controlling the laser driver 108. In otherembodiments, digital potentiometers are used in place of D/A converters.It should also be noted that while FIG. 2 refers to a system where thelaser driver 108 is specifically designed to accept analog inputs fromthe controller IC 110, it is possible to modify the controller IC 110such that it is compatible with laser driver ICs with digital inputs.

In addition to the connection from the controller IC 110 to the laserdriver 108, FIG. 2 shows a number of connections from the laser driver108 to the controller IC 110, as well as similar connections from theROSA 106 and Postamp 104 to the controller IC 110. These are monitoringconnections that the controller IC 110 uses to receive diagnosticfeedback information from the transceiver components. In one embodiment,the diagnostic feedback information is stored in the memory mappedlocations in the controller IC such that the information is accessibleby the host device via memory reads. In some embodiments, the controllerIC 110 receives diagnostic feedback information from the TOSA 106 andstores such information in the controller IC, but such connections arenot shown in FIG. 2.

The controller IC 110 in one embodiment has a multiplicity of analoginputs. The analog input signals indicate operating conditions (e.g.,receiver laser power, DC bias current, AC current swing) of thetransceiver and/or receiver circuitry. These analog signals are scannedby a multiplexer 124 and converted using an analog to digital (A/D)converter 127. The A/D converter 127 has 12 bit resolution in oneembodiment, and A/D converters with other resolution levels may be usedin other embodiments. The converted values are stored in predefinedmemory locations, for instance in the diagnostic value and flag storagedevice 128 shown in FIG. 3, and are accessible to the host device viamemory reads. These values are calibrated to standard units (such asmillivolts or microwatts) as part of a factory calibration procedure.

In one embodiment, a temperature sensor 125, which is shown in FIG. 3,measures a temperature of the transceiver and generates an analogtemperature signal. The analog temperature signal is scanned by themultiplexer 124 and converted using the AID converter 127. The convertedvalues are stored in predefined memory locations for access by the hostdevice via memory reads. In other embodiments, a temperature sensor thatis disposed within the TOSA 106 is used to provide a more accuratemeasurement of the laser's temperature.

The digitized quantities stored in memory mapped locations within thecontroller IC are not limited to digital temperature values. Thequantities stored in the memory mapped locations include, but are notlimited to, control values representative of DC bias current, AC currentswing, transmitted laser power, received power as well as correspondingflag values and configuration values (e.g., for indicating the polarityof the flags).

Also shown in FIG. 3 is a voltage supply sensor 126. An analog voltagelevel signal generated by this sensor is converted to a digital voltagelevel signal by the A/D converter 127, and the digital voltage levelsignal is stored in memory 128. In one embodiment, the analog to digitalinput mux 124 and A/D converter 127 are controlled by a clock signal soas to automatically, periodically convert the monitored signals intodigital signals, and to store those digital values in memory 128.

Controlling Laser Performance Over Temperature Variations

FIG. 4 illustrates a relationship among optical output power (L), laserbias current (i) of a laser and its operating temperature (T). This typeof graph is sometimes known as an L-i curve. At any temperature, thelaser bias current must exceed a certain threshold for the laser to emitlight. The threshold value is different for each temperature. Further,the threshold value varies from diode to diode. Also note that the slopeefficiency of a laser (i.e., the change in optical output power dividedby the change in laser driver current) changes over temperature. Theslope efficiency of one laser is also different from another laser. Thatis, a laser's sensitivity to current modulation varies from one laser toanother at the same temperature and the same bias level. The rate slopeefficiency changes over temperature can also vary. For example, theslope efficiency of one laser can drop by 5% going from 25° C. to 35°C., and the slope efficiency of another laser can drop by 10% with thesame change in temperature. With so many variables, it is difficult toaccurately compensate for a laser's temperature-dependentcharacteristics with a thermistor as in the prior art.

The present invention provides for a mechanism that compensates for thetemperature-dependent characteristics of a laser. Thistemperature-compensation mechanism does not use thermistors foradjusting the bias current of the laser. Rather, accurate temperaturecompensation is achieved through the use of temperature lookup tablesthat correlate temperature with appropriate control signals for thelaser driver circuit 108. The present invention also provides for acalibration method that determines the appropriate values to be storedin the temperature lookup tables such that accurate and consistent laserperformance over different temperatures can be achieved.

Some of the steps of one calibration method of the present invention aredescribed below in Table 1, and some of the steps of another calibrationmethod of the present invention are described below in Table 2. Some ofthe steps described are performed sequentially and one at a time. Inother embodiments, some of the steps are performed out of sequence, andsome of the steps are performed simultaneously. Some portions of some ofthe steps may be omitted in some embodiments. The steps described beloware discussed with specific references to the transceiver 100. It shouldbe noted, however, that the calibration method is applicable to otherfiber optic devices as well.

Table 1

Step (1)

An optoelectronic transceiver 100 is hooked up to an opticaloscilloscope and a test computer system 804, which can be a computersystem running test software. In this step, appropriate control valuesare written to various memory mapped locations of the controller IC 110so as to adjust the DC bias current and AC current swing of the laseruntil a desired optical output signal is observed on the opticaloscilloscope. The desired optical signal should have an optical powerand an extinction ratio (ER) that meet certain industry standards (e.g.,eye safety standards, etc.). A typical desirable extinction ratio, whichis the ratio of the maximum and minimum laser output power levelsgenerated by a laser emitter of the transceiver, is 9 dB. When thedesired optical output signal is generated, the value of the DC biascurrent and the AC current swing are recorded in the controller IC 110,in a memory of the transceiver, or in the test computer system 804. Thisstep (1), which is illustrated in FIG. 5, is referred to herein asER-SETUP.

As shown in FIG. 5, the test computer system 804 provides the necessarycontrol signals to the optoelectronic transceiver 100 via an I²Cinterface during ER-SETUP. In this step, for example, control values foradjusting the DC bias current and AC current swing, as well as controlsignals to read values from and write values to memory mapped locationsof the transceiver, are transmitted from the test computer system 804 tothe controller IC 110 via the I²C interface and written to appropriatememory mapped locations. After ER-SETUP, the transceiver 100 is unhookedfrom the optical oscilloscope.

Step (2a)

According to one embodiment, after ER-SETUP, the TOSA 106 of thetransceiver 100 is connected to its ROSA 102 by an optical fiber tocreate a loop-back. The transceiver is then turned-on for a few minutesto let the transceiver adjust to a stable operating condition. Aloop-back fiber connecting the TOSA 106 and ROSA 102 of the transceiver100 is shown in FIG. 6. The optical power received and measured by thereceiver circuit(s) of the transceiver 100 is herein referred to as theLoopback-Rx-Power (LRP). In this embodiment, a value representative ofthe current LRP is frequently written to a memory mapped location withinthe controller IC 110 where the value can be accessed by the testcomputer system 804 via the I²C interface.

Step (2b) In one embodiment, the TOSA of the transceiver 100 is equippedwith a photo-diode that is positioned to sense the intensity of theoptical signals emitted by the laser. The photo-diode is sometimescalled a “back-monitoring photo-diode,” as it detects light reflectedfrom the laser package that encloses the laser. In this embodiment, aloop-back fiber connecting the TOSA and ROSA is not necessary, since theoptical power of the laser can be measured by the back-monitoringphoto-diode. For simplicity, the optical power measured by theback-monitoring photo-diode is also called Loopback-Rx-Power herein. Avalue representative of the power received by the photo-diode is writtento a memory mapped location of the controller IC 110. This value canthen be read by the test computer system 804 via the I²C interface. Step(2b) is particularly useful when determining the power of the opticalsignals emitted by an optoelectronic transmitter, which does not have areceiver subassembly or receiver circuitry.

Step (3)

In this step, the transceiver 100 is placed in a temperature controlledenvironment (e.g., an oven). The temperature of the environment is setto a value that is similar to that at which the ER-SETUP is performed.For example, the temperature of the controlled environment is set to 25°C. in this step.

Step (4)

The DC bias current value (LDI_(p25)) obtained at ER-SETUP is written toa predetermined memory mapped location of the controller IC 110 to setthe DC bias current of the laser. When the DC bias current of the laseris set, the Loopback-Rx-Power (LRP) is measured. A value representativeof the measured Loopback-Rx-Power, LRP_(p25), is stored in anotherpredetermined memory mapped location of the controller IC 110 where itcan be accessed by the test computer system 804 via the I²C interface.As mentioned, the LRP can be obtained from receiver circuits of a ROSAor from a back-monitoring photo-diode.

Step (5)

The Loopback-Rx-Power (LRP) is determined at two DC bias currents aroundthe DC bias current value obtained at ER-SETUP. In one embodiment, thetwo DC bias currents are 2 mA apart. This step entails writingappropriate control values to the appropriate memory mapped locations ofthe controller IC 110 to adjust the bias current of the laser. This stepalso entails reading the appropriate memory mapped locations for valuesof the Loopback-Rx-Power after the DC bias current is adjusted. Two datapoints on an L-i curve of the transceiver are obtained as a result.

Step (6)

Calculations are performed to provide an estimate of the threshold biascurrent of the laser. In one embodiment, it is assumed that the opticaloutput power of the laser varies linearly with the laser current if thecurrent is over the threshold level. And, it is assumed that the opticaloutput power equals zero if the laser current is at a below thethreshold level. Under, these assumptions, these calculations aresimplified significantly.

The calculations are graphically illustrated in FIG. 7A. Two data pointsobtained at step (5) are shown. A straight line connecting the two datapoints is extrapolated to determine an x-intercept of the line. Theintercept value, LD1 _(th25), is then stored in the test computer system804. The DC bias current (LDI_(p25)), the measured Loopback-Rx-Power(LRP_(p25)), the x-intercept (LDI_(th25)) and the extrapolated line arealso depicted in FIG. 7A. Preferably, the calculations are performed bythe test computer system 804.

Step (7)

In this step, after the DC bias current is set, the controller IC 110writes the AC current swing control value (AC₂₅) obtained at ER-SETUP toa predetermined memory mapped location to set the AC current swing ofthe laser. This step can be performed before step (4).

Step (8)

In this step, the controller IC 110 obtains a temperature value from atemperature sensor 125 that is internal to the controller IC 110. Inother embodiments, the temperature value is obtained from a temperaturesensor that is external to the controller IC 110. Although the actualtemperature (e.g., 25° C.) is known, this step is performed because thevalue generated by the temperature sensor is needed.

Step (9)

In this step, the temperature value obtained at step (8) and valuescorresponding to the DC bias current (LD_(p25)) and the AC current swing(AC₂₅) are stored in a temperature lookup table of the controller IC110. In one embodiment, the stored values are integer values rangingfrom 0-255.

Step (10)

After the parameter values for T=25° C. are stored, the temperature ofthe environment is set to another value (e.g., 35° C.).

Step (11)

When monitoring the LRP by reading memory mapped location(s) of thecontroller IC, the test computer system 804 writes control values tomemory mapped locations of the controller IC 110 to adjust the DC biascurrent until the Loopback-Rx-Power reaches LRP^(p25). When the LRPreaches LRP_(p25), the DC bias current LDI_(pT) applied to achieve thisoutput power is recorded, preferably at a predetermined memory mappedlocation of the controller IC. This DC bias current LDI_(pT) is depictedin FIG. 7B.

Step (12)

The Loopback-Rx-Power (LRP) at two DC bias currents around the DC biascurrent LDI_(pT) obtained in step (11) is measured. In one embodiment,the two DC bias currents are 2 mA apart. This step entails writingappropriate control values to predetermined memory mapped locations ofthe controller IC 110 to adjust the DC bias current of the laser. Thisstep also entails reading the appropriate memory mapped locations forthe values of the Loopback-Rx-Power after the DC bias current isadjusted. In one embodiment, the controller IC is obtained from thereceiver circuitry of the transceiver. In another embodiment, the LRP isobtained from the back-monitoring photo-diode of the TOSA. Two datapoints on L-i curve associated with the new temperature are obtained asa result of this step.

Step (13)

In this step, calculations are performed to provide an estimate of thethreshold bias current of a laser at this new temperature (e.g. 35° C.).

The calculations steps are graphically represented in FIG. 7B. Two datapoints obtained from step (12) are shown. A straight line connecting thetwo data points is extrapolated to determine its x-intercept. Thex-intercept value, LD1 _(thT), is then stored in the test computersystem 804. The DC bias current (LDI_(pT)), the measuredLoopback-Rx-Power (LRP_(pT)), the x-intercept (LD1 _(thT)) and theextrapolated line, all of which are related to this temperature 7, arealso illustrated in FIG. 7B. In one embodiment, this step is preferablyperformed by test computer system 804.

Step (14)

In this step, an estimate of the AC current swing, ACT, at the currenttemperature is calculated with the following formula:AC_(T)=AC₂₅*[1+(X+Z)/Y], where X=LDI_(pT)−LDI_(p25),Y=LDI_(p25)−LDI_(th25), and Z=LDI_(th25)−LDI_(thT). The correlationsbetween the values X, Y, Z and the L-i curves of a transceiver are shownin FIG. 7C. This step is preferably performed by the test computersystem 804.

Step (15)

In this step, the controller IC 110 obtains a temperature value from thetemperature sensor.

Step (16)

The controller IC 110 then stores the temperature value obtained at step(15) in association with control values for the DC bias current(LDI_(pT)) and the AC current swing (AC_(T)) in the temperature lookuptables. In the present embodiment, actual current values are not stored.Rather, the values stored are integer values ranging from 0-255.

Step (17)

Steps (10)-(16) are preferably repeated for multiple temperatures withina predetermined operating range (e.g., 0° C.-60° C. at 5° C.increments).

Step (18)

Additional DC bias current values can be obtained byinterpolating/extrapolating values obtained in step (17). Theinterpolated/extrapolated values are also stored in the temperaturelookup tables. In some embodiments, this step is optional.

Step (19)

The transceiver 100 is unhooked from the test computer system 804.

Table 2

Step (21)

An optoelectronic transceiver 100 is hooked up to an opticaloscilloscope and a test computer system 804, which can be a computersystem running test software. In this step, appropriate control valuesare written to various memory mapped locations of the controller IC 110so as to adjust the DC bias current and AC current swing of the laseruntil a desired optical output signal is-observed on the opticaloscilloscope. The desired optical signal should have an optical powerand an extinction ratio (ER) that meet certain industry standards (e.g.,eye safety standards, etc.). A typical desirable extinction ratio, whichis the ratio of the maximum and minimum laser output power levelsgenerated by a laser emitter of the transceiver, is 9 dB. When thedesired optical output signal is generated, the value of the DC biascurrent and the AC current swing are recorded in the controller IC 110,in a memory of the transceiver, or in the test computer system 804. Thisstep (21), which is illustrated in FIG. 5, is referred to herein asER-SETUP.

As shown in FIG. 5, the test computer system 804 provides the necessarycontrol signals to the optoelectronic transceiver 100 via an I²Cinterface during ER-SETUP. In this step, for example, control values foradjusting the DC bias current and AC current swing, as well as controlsignals to read values from and write values to memory mapped locationsof the transceiver, are transmitted from the test computer system 804 tothe controller IC 110 via the I²C interface and written to appropriatememory mapped locations. After ER-SETUP, the transceiver 100 is unhookedfrom the optical oscilloscope.

Step (22a)

According to one embodiment, after ER-SETUP, the TOSA 106 of thetransceiver 100 is connected to its ROSA 102 by an optical fiber tocreate a loop-back. The transceiver is then turned-on for a few minutesto let the transceiver adjust to a stable operating condition. Aloop-back fiber connecting the TOSA 106 and ROSA 102 of the transceiver100 is shown in FIG. 6. The optical power received and measured by thereceiver circuit(s) of the transceiver 100 is herein referred to as theLoopback-Rx-Power (LRP). In this embodiment, a value representative ofthe current LRP is frequently written to a memory mapped location withinthe controller IC 110 where the value can be accessed by the testcomputer system 804 via the I²C interface.

Step (22b)

In one embodiment, the TOSA of the transceiver 100 is equipped with aphoto-diode that is positioned to sense the intensity of the opticalsignals emitted by the laser. The photo-diode is sometimes called a“back-monitoring photo-diode,” as it detects light reflected from thelaser package that encloses the laser. In this embodiment, a loop-backfiber connecting the TOSA and ROSA is not necessary, since the opticalpower of the laser can be measured by the back-monitoring photo-diode.For simplicity, the optical power measured by the back-monitoringphoto-diode is also called Loopback-Rx-Power herein. A valuerepresentative of the power received by the back-monitoring photo-diodeis written to a memory mapped location of the controller IC 110. Thisvalue can then be read by the test computer system 804 via the I²Cinterface. Step (22b) is particularly useful when determining the powerof the optical signals emitted by an optoelectronic transmitter, whichdoes not have a receiver subassembly or receiver circuitry.

Step (23)

In this step, the transceiver 100 is placed in a temperature controlledenvironment (e.g., an oven). The temperature of the environment is setto a value that is similar to that at which the ER-SETUP is performed.For example, the temperature of the controlled environment is set to 25°C. in this step.

Step (24)

The DC bias current value (LDI_(p25)) obtained at ER-SETUP is written toa predetermined memory mapped location of the controller IC 110 to setthe DC bias current of the laser. When the DC bias current of the laseris set, the Loopback-Rx-Power (LRP) is measured. A value representativeof the measured Loopback-Rx-Power, LRP_(p25), is stored in anotherpredetermined memory mapped location of the controller IC 110 where itcan be accessed by the test computer system 804 via the I²C interface.As mentioned, the LRP can be obtained from receiver circuits of a ROSAor from a back-monitoring photo-diode.

Step (25)

The Loopback-Rx-Power (LRP) is determined at two DC bias currents aroundthe DC bias current value obtained at ER-SETUP. In one embodiment, thetwo DC bias currents are 2 mA apart. This step entails writingappropriate control values to the appropriate memory mapped locations ofthe controller IC 110 to adjust the bias current of the laser. This stepalso entails reading the appropriate memory mapped locations for valuesof the Loopback-Rx-Power after the DC bias current is adjusted. Two datapoints on an L-i curve (LRP1 _(p25), LDI1 _(p25)) and (LRP2 _(p25), LDI2_(p25)) are obtained as a result.

Step (26)

Calculations are performed to determine the slope efficiency (SE) of thelaser at T=25° C. and at DC bias current of LDI_(p25). In oneembodiment, the Slope Efficiency at T=25° C. (SE_(p25)) is calculated by[(LRP1 _(p25)−LRP2 _(p25))/(LDI1 _(p25)−LDI2 _(p25))], where LRP1_(p25), LDI1 _(p25) LRP2 _(p25), and LDI2 _(p25) are obtained from step(25). Preferably, the calculations are performed by the test computersystem 804. The value of SE_(P25) is preferably stored within the testcomputer system 804.

Step (27)

In this step, after the DC bias current is set, the controller IC 110writes the AC current swing control value (AC₂₅) obtained at ER-SETUP toa predetermined memory mapped location to set the AC current swing ofthe laser. This step can be performed before step (24).

Step (28)

In this step, the controller IC 110 obtains a temperature value from atemperature sensor 125 that is internal to the controller IC 110. Inother embodiments, the temperature value is obtained from a temperaturesensor that is external to the controller IC 110. Although the actualtemperature (e.g., 25° C.) is known, this step is performed because thevalue generated by the temperature sensor is needed.

Step (29)

In this step, the temperature value obtained at step (28) and valuescorresponding to the DC bias current (LDI_(p25)) and the AC currentswing (AC₂₅) are stored in a temperature lookup table of the controllerIC 110. In one embodiment, the stored values are integer values rangingfrom 0-255.

Step (30)

After the parameter values for T=25° C. are stored, the temperature ofthe environment is set to another value (e.g., 35° C.).

Step (31)

When monitoring the LRP by reading memory mapped location(s) of thecontroller IC, the test computer system 804 writes control values tomemory mapped locations of the controller IC 110 to adjust the DC biascurrent until the Loopback-Rx-Power reaches LRP_(p25). When the LRPreaches LRP_(p25), the DC bias current LD_(pT) applied to achieve thisoutput power is recorded, preferably at a predetermined memory mappedlocation of the controller IC.

Step (32)

The Loopback-Rx-Power (LRP) at two DC bias currents around the DC biascurrent LDI_(pT) obtained in step (31) is measured. In one embodiment,the two DC bias currents are 2 mA apart. This step entails writingappropriate control values to predetermined memory mapped locations ofthe controller IC 110 to adjust the DC bias current of the laser. Thisstep also entails reading the appropriate memory mapped locations forthe values of the Loopback-Rx-Power after the DC bias current isadjusted. In one embodiment, the controller IC is obtained from thereceiver circuitry of the transceiver. In another embodiment, the LRP isobtained from the back-monitoring photo-diode of the TOSA. Two datapoints on L-i curve associated with the new temperature, (LRP1 _(pT),LDI1 _(pT)) and (LRP2 _(pT), LDI2 _(pT)) are obtained as a result ofthis step.

Step (33)

Calculations are performed to determine a Slope Efficiency (SE_(pT)) ofthe laser at this new temperature and at DC bias current of LDI_(pT). Inone embodiment, the Slope Efficiency at this temperature (SE_(pT)) iscalculated by [(LRP1 _(pT)−LRP2 _(pT))/(LDI1 _(pT)−LDI2 _(pT))], whereLRP1 _(pT), LDI1 _(pT) LRP2 _(pT), and LDI2 _(pT) are obtained from step(32). Preferably, the calculations are performed by the test computersystem 804. The value of SE_(pT) is preferably stored within the testcomputer system 804.

Step (34)

In this step, an estimate of the AC current swing, AC_(T), at thecurrent temperature is calculated with the following formula:AC_(T)=k*AC₂₅*(SE_(p25)/SE_(pT)), where k=LRP_(pT)/LRP_(p25). This stepis preferably performed by the test computer system 804.

At most temperatures within a normal operational range, LRP_(pT) andLRP_(p25) are equivalent, and k equals 1. At some temperatures, however,the driver circuits of the transceiver 100 may not be able to providesufficient bias current to the laser to produce the necessary lightoutput power. At those temperatures, the AC current swing isproportionally scaled down so as to maintain a substantially constantextinction ratio.

Step (35)

In this step, the controller IC 110 obtains a temperature value from thetemperature sensor.

Step (36)

The controller IC 110 then stores the temperature value obtained at step(35) in association with control values for the DC bias current(LDI_(pT)) and the AC current swing (AC_(T)) in the temperature lookuptables. In the present embodiment, actual current values are not stored.Rather, the values stored are integer values ranging from 0-255.

Step (37)

Steps (30)-(36) are preferably repeated for multiple temperatures withina predetermined operating range (e.g., 0° C.-60° C. at 5° C.increments).

Step (38)

Additional DC bias current values can be obtained byinterpolating/extrapolating values obtained in step (37). Theinterpolated/extrapolated values are also stored in the temperaturelookup tables. In some embodiments, this step is optional.

Step (39)

The transceiver 100 is unhooked from the test computer system 804.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a temperature lookup table 300, theentries of which are determined during calibration of the transceiver100. The temperature lookup table 300, as shown, has multiple entriescorrelating a temperature value with control values for setting the DCbias current and the AC current swing. Note that the actual temperaturevalues, the actual DC bias current values and the actual AC currentswing values are not stored in the table 300. Rather, in the specificembodiment shown, the stored values are integer values ranging from0-255.

During operation of the transceiver, an analog signal from thetemperature sensor is received by the controller IC 110 and converted toa digital temperature value. The digital temperature value is thenstored in the memory devices (e.g., General Purpose EEPROM 120). Then,logic in the controller IC 110 determines control values for the laserdriver circuit 108 based on the digital temperature value and theentries of the temperature lookup table. These control values are thenused by the logic circuits of the controller IC 110 to appropriate DCbias currents and AC current swings for the laser.

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, when controlvalues for various temperatures are stored within the temperature lookuptable 300, the appropriate DC current bias value and AC current swingvalue at any instantaneous temperature can be interpolated/extrapolatedfrom the stored values. In this way, the laser will behave consistentlyregardless of temperature fluctuations.

Controlling Laser Performance At Extreme Temperatures

While the techniques described above ensure that a laser operates at aconstant power and extinction ratio over all temperatures, it has beenshown experimentally that the performance of the laser (as measured bymask margin, rise/fall time, etc.) at constant levels is not necessarilyoptimal at all conditions. For example, maintaining constant laserperformance for 850 nm oxide VCSEL lasers by maintaining constant powerand extinction ratio was proven to be impossible over an extendedoperating temperature range. The current industry-standard temperaturerange is −10 deg Celsius to +85 deg Celsius. However, extended operatingtemperature ranges can be as broad as −25 deg Celsius to +90 degCelsius, or 40 deg Celsius to +95 deg Celsius.

One of the principal difficulties in operating a laser at extremetemperatures is that it can become impossible to operate the laserwithin the allowable module power levels, while still meeting the TOSAspecification for maximum bias current (I_(max)) and minimum currentnecessary to meet the K_(min) limit. The K_(min) limit is a minimumcurrent that ensures that the laser is biased at some multiple above thethreshold current to generate adequate laser performance, and is relatedto the DC bias current (LDI) as follows: LDI=I_(th) (1+K_(min)). TheI_(max) limit is the maximum current allowable to ensure laserreliability. In general, the I_(max) and K_(min) values are set by thelaser manufacturer.

There are several effects of temperature on laser performance. Theprincipal effect is on the slope efficiency of the laser. At the extremeends of the operating temperature ranges, the efficiency of a laser candramatically increase or decrease. Recall that the slope efficiency ofthe laser is the change in optical output power divided by the change inlaser driver current, and that this value changes over temperature aswell as between different lasers. At high extreme temperatures (e.g.,temperatures greater than 70 deg Celsius), the slope efficiency of alaser may become less (i.e., shallow, or less steep) relative to normaloperating temperatures. In other words, the amount of current requiredto generate the same laser output increases with temperature.Correspondingly, as the temperature decreases, the slope efficiency ofthe laser may become much greater, or steeper. Thus, it requires lesscurrent to generate the same laser output.

To better understand the effects of temperature on slope efficiency, aswell as on K_(min), and I_(max), it is helpful to understand how thespecification for a TOSA is generated. Referring to FIG. 9, a graphcorrelating these values is shown. The y-axis of the graph representspower output (L), while the x-axis depicts bias current (I). The PM Maxand PM Min values are the maximum and minimum power values for themodule that contains the TOSA. The limits on PM Max and PM Min aregenerally set by the manufacturer, or by industry specification.

The slope efficiencies shown (SE Max 400 and SE Min 404) define a rangeof slope efficiencies that would be acceptable for a particular lasertype, within a predefined range of operating temperatures (e.g., 10 degCelsius to 70 deg Celsius). The SE Max 400 and SE Min 404 values arecalculated as follows. First, at the high-end of the temperature range(e.g., 70 deg Celsius), a maximum and a minimum slope efficiency arecalculated, and then translated into room temperature. Then, at thelow-end of the temperature range (e.g., 10 deg Celsius), another set ofmaximum and minimum slope efficiencies are calculated, and alsotranslated into room temperature. Then, from the arrays of slopeefficiencies now converted to room temperature, the innermostoverlapping areas of slope efficiency are selected, because only a TOSAwith these slope efficiencies would satisfy, e.g., both the 10 degCelsius and the 70 deg Celsius requirements. (This would be, in alllikelihood, the maximum slope efficiency at high temperature, and theminimum slope efficiency at low temperature).

Thus, the SE Max 400 and SE Min 404 shown in FIG. 9 are these innermostoverlapping areas of slope efficiency that satisfy both the opticalpower limits (PM Max and PM Min) and the bias current limits (I_(K(min))and I_(max)). From these maximum- and minimum-allowable slopeefficiencies, the TOSA power specification at room temperature is setfor the production process.

There are two key features of this model. First, at I_(max), the TOSApower will never be lower than the minimum module power, because theminimum slope efficiency cut-off at SE Min 404 ensures that an inputbias current of I_(max) will always result in a power output at leastequal to PM Min. For slope efficiencies falling between SE Max 400 andSE Min 404, an input bias current of I_(max) may-result in an outputpower level greater than PM Min, but it will not be less than PM Min.Therefore, if a TOSA is measured to be have less output power than PMMin with an I_(max) bias current, then the TOSA does not fall within therequired range of slope efficiencies and/or otherwise fails to meetspecification, possibly due to poor alignment, a distorted lens atextreme temperatures, or early roll-off by the laser die.

The second key feature of this model is that, at PM Max, the biascurrent of the laser will always be higher than the K_(min) limit. Thisis due to the maximum slope efficiency SE Max 400, which ensures thatthe minimum current necessary to drive a TOSA at the PM Max level issufficient to meet the K_(min) limit. While slope efficiencies betweenSE Max 400 and SE Min 404 may require a greater input bias current thanthat sufficient to meet the K_(min) limit, the SE Max 400 limitguarantees that this limit will at least be met. If, while driving themodule at PM Max, the K_(min) limit is not met, then the TOSA has againfailed to meet the specification.

Thus, in the TOSA specification shown in FIG. 9, if a TOSA meets theK_(min) and I_(max) limits, while staying within the PM Max and PM Minlimits for the module, that TOSA will by definition be within theacceptable operating range 402. Except for cases such as poor laseralignment or distorted laser lens, most TOSAs will meet theserequirements at normal operating temperatures, as the difference betweenslope efficiencies between lasers at the end-ranges of the normaltemperature range is not that great, and will most likely fall betweenSE Max 400 and SE Min 404. But, outside of the normal temperature range,at “extreme” temperatures, the difference between the maximum andminimum slope efficiencies is greater. Also, the current window betweenK_(min) and I_(max) may shrink, because I_(th) (defining K_(min)) istemperature-dependent.

Referring to FIG. 10A, a TOSA specification for extreme temperatures isshown. This graph may reflect, for example, an operating range of −20deg Celsius to 100 deg Celsius. Just as with the graph shown in FIG. 9,maximum and minimum slope efficiencies are first determined at both ofthe end-range temperatures (i.e., −20 deg and 100 deg Celsius). Fromthese two sets of slope efficiencies, the innermost overlapping slopeefficiencies are chosen and defined to be SE Max 400 (from the −20 degCelsius slope efficiencies), and SE Min 404 (from the 100 deg Celsiusslope efficiencies). Note that, due to the extreme operatingtemperatures, the difference between SE Max 400 and SE Min 404 isgreater than in FIG. 9. This becomes problematic when the standardmodule maximum and minimum power levels (PM Max and PM Min) areretained, because, for example, operating at the PM Max level no longerguarantees that the K_(min) limit will be attained. In other words, if aTOSA had a slope efficiency corresponding to SE Max 400, then operatingthat TOSA at the PM Max level would cause the module to be inunacceptable operating range 406-A.

Similarly, if a TOSA had a slope efficiency corresponding to SE Min 404,then operating it at a module output power of PM Min would require morebias current than the I_(max) limit allows. Hence, operating a TOSA withthis slope efficiency would lead to module operation in unacceptableoperating range 406-B. A TOSA falling within unacceptable operatingranges 406-A or 406-B would normally be considered to have failedspecifications, and would not be used. However, this “failure” is morelikely due to inadequate laser operation at extreme temperatures than adefective TOSA. Clearly, the standard biasing technique used in FIGS. 9and 10A is not well-suited for measuring TOSA performance at extremetemperatures.

Thus, to more accurately measure TOSA functionality at extremetemperatures, a different biasing for determining the TOSA specificationmust be used. As discussed, the biasing scheme of FIG. 10A causes theupper end of the spread of slope efficiencies to fail for current lowerthan the K_(min) limit. In effect, this is because the maximum modulepower (PM Max) is set too low for the operating conditions, e.g., theextreme low temperature. Similarly, the biasing scheme in FIG. 10Acauses the lower end of the spread of slope efficiencies to fail forcurrent exceeding I_(max). This is because the minimum module power (PMMin) is set too high for the operating conditions, e.g., the extremehigh temperature.

But, as shown in FIG. 10B, if the module is biased to a higher poweroutput (higher PM Max) for extreme low temperatures, or is biased to alower power output (lower PM Min) for extreme high temperatures, themodule can still meet the TOSA specifications even at these extremetemperatures. In other words, the same SE Max 400 and SE Min 404depicted in FIG. 10A, reflecting an extreme temperature range of −20 to100 deg Celsius, will ensure that the K_(min) and I_(max) limits are metacross the entire range of operating temperatures. As a result, any TOSAwith a slope efficiency between SE Max 400 and SE Min 404 will be withinthe acceptable operating range 402.

In order to experimentally determine what “normal” temperature range alaser could be biased at using the constant-power technique described inthe first part of this specification, and what “extreme” temperaturesrequire deviation away from the constant-power algorithms, the inventorsanalyzed several types of lasers from different manufacturers. FIGS.11A-C reflect the results of this analysis for the different lasertypes. The vertical axis of FIGS. 11A-C represents module power, innegative dB milliwatts. The horizontal axis of FIGS. 11A-C representstemperature, in degrees Celsius.

Also depicted in FIGS. 11A-C are a series of vertical bars withhorizontal ends, i.e., spec-defined operating ranges 422 andtemp-adjusted operating ranges 426. These vertical bars reflect, foreach of the particular laser types, the allowable module power atvarious temperatures that ensure that the TOSA specification is met. Inother words, if a laser is operated within the module power rangesrepresented by the vertical bars, the biasing is automatically withinthe K_(min) and I_(max) limits, just as a laser with a slope efficiencybetween SE Min and SE Max in FIG. 9 met these limits. More particularly,the top-most end of each vertical bar is affected by the I_(max) limit,and the bottom-most end of each vertical bar is affected by the K_(min)limit.

Thus, referring to FIG. 11A, an analysis of Laser Type 1 (e.g., aHoneywell oxVcsel TOSA) is shown. The graph shows the acceptableoperating range (range of module power levels that meet specifications)for every ten degrees between −20 deg Celsius and 100 deg Celsius. Forexample, at −10 deg Celsius, the operating range for Laser Type 1 is−4.5 dBm to −5.7 dBm. The middle of the operating ranges at eachtemperature is marked by a small block, and the blocks areinterconnected by a line. The blocks are located at the center of theoperating range for each temperature, and the interconnecting linedepicts the target power output 424. Thus, if a TOSA is biased tooperate at the target power output 424 for a particular temperature, andthe module is actually operating at that temperature, then the TOSAshould easily meet specifications because the power output will be inthe middle of a range that meets both the K_(min) and I_(max) limits atthe end points.

Note that there are two different types of vertical bars. The verticalbars that extend the entire length of the graph, from −4.5 dBm to −7.5dBm, are the spec-defined operating ranges 422. At the temperaturescorresponding to spec-defined operating ranges, a Laser Type 1 TOSAcould operate at the full range of specification-defined power output,and still meet K_(min) and I_(max) limits. The current industryspecification for TOSA operation requires operation from −4 dBm to −9dBm. As shown in FIG. 11A, for purposes of the present invention, thisspecification has been further reduced and shrunk to −4.5 dBm to −7.5dBm. Thus, these specification-defined values set the end-points of thespec-defined operating ranges 422, rather than inherent limitations ofthe particular laser, for the range of temperatures in the middle of thegraph.

The other type of vertical bar is the temp-adjusted operating range 426,located both at the extreme high and extreme low temperatures. Tounderstand how these bars were determined, it is useful to reconsiderFIG. 10B. Recall that, for extreme low temperatures, if the biasing wereadjusted so that the maximum module power output (PM Max) was increased,a TOSA could still meet the acceptable operating range 402 at these lowtemperatures, because the K_(min) limit could still be met.

This shift is reflected in FIG. 11A by the shortening of thetemp-adjusted operating ranges 426 toward the top of the graph,representing an increase in the module power. (The greater the negativedBm number, the smaller the value; e.g., −6.5 dBm is more power than−7.0 dBm). Thus, where the spec-defined operating range 422 for 20 degCelsius can be as low as −7.5 dBm, the temp-adjusted operating range 426for 10 deg Celsius is increased to −7.1 dBm, and the temp-adjustedoperating range 426 for 0 deg Celsius is increased to −6.4 dBm. Thus,the target power output 424 increases for these lower temperatures, and,like the increased PM Max of FIG. 10B, this ensures that the TOSAspecification can still be met even at these extreme low temperatures.

For the temp-adjusted operating range 426 of the extreme hightemperatures, recall from FIG. 10B that the minimum module power (PMMin) was decreased, i.e., the laser was biased to a lower power outputlevel. This shift is reflected in FIG. 11A by the shortening of thetemp-adjusted operating ranges toward the bottom of the graph,representing a decrease in the module power. Thus, where thespec-defined operating range 422 for 50 deg Celsius can be as high as−4.5 dBm, the temp-adjusted operating range 426 for 60 deg Celsius is−4.8 dBm, and the temp-adjusted operating range 426 for 70 deg Celsiusis −5.2 dBm. The target power output 424 correspondingly decreases forthese higher temperatures and, like the decreased PM Min of FIG. 10B,ensures that the TOSA specification is met for the extreme hightemperatures.

After these calculations were made for Laser Type 1 in FIG. 11A; LaserType 2 in FIG. 11B (e.g., an Emcore oxVcsel TOSA); and Laser Type 3 inFIG. 11C (e.g., an OO7 oxVcsel TOSA), and the data was plotted, anadditional determination could be made for the three lasers. Byidentifying temperature ranges where the target power output 424 wasessentially flat, and where the target power output 424 overlappedamongst the various lasers, a constant power region 420 was determined.This was useful because the constant power region 420 common to allthree lasers can utilize the constant-power-targeting techniquesdescribed above in the first part of this specification to ensuredesirable performance of the lasers over a range of temperatures.

In addition to the constant power region 420, the roughly lineardeviation of the target power output 424 away from the constant powerregion, in opposite directions for the high and low temperatures, wasalso useful. From this data, a model, or overlay, for the target poweroutput could be developed. An example of such an overlay is shown inFIG. 11D. In this figure, the constant power region 420 frames a regionof constant-power output of about −6.2 dBm, while thelinearly-proportional deviation for low temperatures 430 increases thislevel, and the linearly-proportional deviation for high temperatures 432decreases this level. In the example shown, the extreme low and extremehigh temperatures deviate away from the constant power region 420 byabout 0.8 dBm for every 10 deg below 10 deg Celsius, or above 70 degCelsius, respectively.

While the specified deviation methodology shown in FIG. 11D for theextreme temperatures is linear, in other embodiments, it may benon-linear, proportional, or based on any other type of modeling.Alternatively, a straight targeting of calculated target power outputvalues can be used.

Referring to FIG. 12A, a plot of a typical constant-power DC bias curve500 is shown. Recall that during calibration of a TOSA transceiver 100,a set of control values for DC bias current and AC current swing aregenerated and stored in a temperature lookup table 300 (see FIG. 8)using the constant-power-targeting techniques described in the firstpart of this specification. Additional fill-in values are interpolatedor extrapolated from these control values. If the control values for theDC bias current across a wide range of temperatures is plotted, a curvelike the constant-power DC bias curve 500 results. However, using themodified power-targeting for extreme high and extreme low temperaturesdescribed above results in departures from this curve. At extreme lowtemperatures, because the module power is increased, more DC biascurrent is necessary to drive the transceiver, as shown by the low-tempbias curve adjustment 504. At extreme high temperatures, because themodule power is decreased, less DC bias current is necessary, as shownby high-temp bias curve adjustment 502.

In FIG. 12B, the adjustments to the constant-extinction ratio AC currentcurve 510, i.e., the control values which drive the AC current swing,are shown. The AC current swing must be adjusted in addition toadjustments to the DC bias because adjusting the DC bias current changesthe signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). In other words, because the SNR relatesthe AC current swing to the DC bias current, if, for example, the DCbias current is increased while the AC current swing remains static, theSNR may decrease. Thus, similar deviations to the constant power DC biascurve 500 in FIG. 12A are made to the constant-extinction ratio ACcurrent curve 500 in FIG. 12B. However, instead of having to conductextinction-ratio targeting, the low-temp AC current adjustment 514 andhigh-temp AC current adjustment 512 can be mathematically derived fromthe low-temp bias curve adjustment 504 and the high-temp bias curveadjustment 502 shown in FIG. 12A, respectively. For example, if the DCbias current changes by 1%, the AC current swing changes by 1%.

In other embodiments, the deviations from the constant-extinction ratioAC current curve 510 are determined by calculating deviations away froma constant-extinction ratio output at extreme temperatures, and thendetermining the low-temp AC current adjustment 514 and the high-temp ACcurrent adjustment 512 by targeting those deviations at thosetemperatures.

Referring to FIG. 13A, a method of maintaining desirable performance ofa laser is shown. A first bias current is determined at a firsttemperature that causes the laser to generate optical signal at a firstpredefined level (600). Then, a second bias current is determined at asecond temperature that causes the laser to generate optical signals ata second predefined level (602). The second temperature is outside of apredefined range of the first temperature, wherein the range includes alower end-point temperature and a higher end-point temperature.

Next, a determination of whether the second temperature is greater thanthe higher end-point temperature, or less than the lower end-pointtemperature, is necessary (604). If the second temperature is greaterthan the higher end-point temperature, then the second predefined levelis defined to be less than the first predefined level (608). In a morespecific example shown in FIG. 13B, the second predefined level isdefined to be less than the first predefined level in proportion to adifference in temperature between the second temperature and the higherend-point temperature (612).

Referring back to FIG. 13A, if the second temperature is less than thehigher end-point temperature, the second predefined level is defined tobe greater than the first predefined level (606). Again, in a morespecific example shown in FIG. 13B, the second predefined level isdefined to be greater than the first predefined level in proportion to adifference in temperature between the second temperature and the lowerend-point temperature (610).

Turning to FIG. 14, another method of maintaining desirable opticalperformance of a laser is shown. In this method, a predefined range oftemperatures having a high-temperature cut-off and a low-temperaturecut-off is first determined (700). The predefined range of temperaturescorresponds to the laser generating optical signals at a firstpredefined level and a first predefined extinction ratio. Next, a firstbias current and a first current swing, corresponding to a firsttemperature within the predefined range of temperatures, are determined,at which the laser generates optical signals at the first predefinedlevel and the first predefined extinction ratio (702). Then, a secondbias current and a second current swing, corresponding to a secondtemperature outside of the predefined range of temperatures, aredetermined, at which the laser generates optical signals at the secondpredefined level and the second predefined extinction ratio (704). Thefirst bias current and first current swing are stored in anoptoelectronic apparatus, correlated to the first temperature, as arethe second bias current and the second current swing, correlated to thesecond temperature (706).

Next, a determination is made as to whether the second temperature isless than the low-temperature cut-off (708). If it is, the secondpredefined level and second predefined extinction ratio are defined tobe greater than the first predefined level and the first predefinedextinction ratio in proportion to a difference between the secondtemperature and the low-temperature cut-off (710). If the initialdetermination is not true, than another determination is made as towhether the second temperature is greater than the high-temperaturecut-off (712). If it is, the second predefined level and the secondpredefined extinction ratio are defined to be less than the firstpredefined level and the first predefined extinction ratio in proportionto a difference between the second temperature and the high-temperaturecut-off (714).

While the present invention has been described with reference to a fewspecific embodiments, the description is illustrative of the inventionand is not to be construed as limiting the invention. Variousmodifications may occur to those skilled in the art having the benefitof this disclosure without departing from the inventive conceptsdescribed herein. Accordingly, it is the claims, not merely theforegoing illustration, that are intended to define the exclusive rightsof the invention.

1. A method for controlling laser performance in an optical device thatincludes a controller, temperature sensor, and a plurality of predefinedmemory locations, the method comprising: operating the laser over arange of temperatures; monitoring an optical output of the laser overthe range of temperatures; adjusting, during operation of the laser overthe range of temperatures, a bias current associated with the operationof the laser; and adjusting, during operation of the laser over therange of temperatures, a current swing associated with the operation ofthe laser, the current swing and the bias current being adjusted to theextent necessary to maintain a substantially constant optical outputfrom the laser over the range of temperatures.
 2. The method as recitedin claim 1, wherein the bias current comprises a DC bias current.
 3. Themethod as recited in claim 1, wherein the current swing comprises an ACcurrent swing.
 4. The method as recited in claim 1, further comprisingaccessing temperature values and control values that relate toadjustments of the current swing and the bias current.
 5. The method asrecited in claim 1, further comprising measuring the temperature,adjustments of the current swing and the bias current being performed asnecessitated by measured temperatures.
 6. An optical transceiver,comprising: a laser; a laser driver configured to supply bias currentand current swing to the laser; and a controller IC configured totransmit control signals to the laser driver, the controller ICcomprising: a temperature sensor configured to detect temperaturesassociated with the optical transceiver, and selected temperatures eachbeing associated with a corresponding temperature value; and a memory,the memory configured to store: the temperature values; and a pluralityof control values that each correspond to a particular combination of abias current and current swing, each control value also being associatedwith a temperature value such that each combination of a control valueand a temperature value defines a basis for a control signal, where thecontrol signals respectively correspond to substantially similar opticaloutputs of the laser, notwithstanding fluctuations in the temperatureassociated with the optical transceiver.
 7. The optical transceiver asrecited in claim 6, wherein the bias current comprises a DC biascurrent.
 8. The optical transceiver as recited in claim 6, wherein thecurrent swing comprises an AC current swing.
 9. The optical transceiveras recited in claim 6, wherein the memory includes a lookup table inwhich the temperature values and control values are stored.
 10. Theoptical transceiver as recited in claim 6, further comprising an I²Cinterface connected with the controller IC so that the controller IC isable to communicate with a test system by way of the I²C interface. 11.The optical transceiver as recited in claim 6, further comprising an I²Cinterface connected with the memory so that a test system can read thememory by way of the I²C interface.
 12. The optical transceiver asrecited in claim 6, further comprising a detector arranged to senseintensity of optical signals emitted by the laser so that valuesrepresentative of power received by the detector can be written to thememory.
 13. A method for calibrating an optical transmitter of anoptical transceiver, the method comprising: monitoring an optical outputof the optical transmitter; performing the following for selectedtemperatures in a range: adjusting a bias current associated with theoptical transmitter; adjusting a current swing associated with theoptical transmitter, adjustment of the bias current and current swingbeing performed to the extent that the optical output of the opticaltransmitter is substantially constant over the selected temperatures inthe range; and storing, in a temperature lookup table of the opticaltransceiver, control values for the bias current and current swing, andeach control value being stored in association with a correspondingtemperature value.
 14. The method as recited in claim 13, wherein thebias current comprises a DC bias current.
 15. The method as recited inclaim 13, wherein the current swing comprises an AC current swing.
 16. Amethod for calibrating a laser of an optoelectronic device, the methodcomprising: at a first temperature, adjusting a bias current and currentswing for the laser until the laser generates optical signals at apredefined level and a predefined extinction ratio; at a secondtemperature, adjusting the bias current and current swing for the laserat which the laser generates optical signals at the predefined level andthe predefined extinction ratio; and storing, in the optoelectronicdevice: a first control value corresponding to the bias current andcurrent swing associated with the first temperature, the first controlvalue being stored in association with a first temperature value; and asecond control value corresponding to the bias current and current swingassociated with the second temperature, the second control value beingstored in association with a second temperature value.
 17. A method fordetermining current bias and current swing values for an opticaltransmitter of an optoelectronic device that also includes an opticalreceiver, the method comprising: at a first temperature, adjusting abias current and current swing for the optical transmitter until theoptical transmitter generates optical signals at a predefined level anda predefined extinction ratio; recording the bias current and currentswing that correspond with the first temperature; connecting the opticaltransmitter and optical receiver to create a loop; at a temperaturesubstantially the same as the first temperature, measuring a firstoptical power level of signals generated by the optical transmitter atthe first bias current; calculating an estimate of a first thresholdbias current and a first slope efficiency of the optical transmitterassociated with the first temperature; at a second temperature,adjusting a bias current and current swing for the optical transmitteruntil the optical power level of optical signals generated by theoptical transmitter is substantially the same as the first optical powerlevel; calculating an estimate of a second threshold bias current of theoptical transmitter associated with the second temperature; andcalculating an estimate of a second current swing at least partiallyfrom the bias current associated with the first temperature, the firstthreshold bias current, the bias current associated with the secondtemperature, the second threshold bias current, and the current swingassociated with the first temperature.